What to plant in May in France
12 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in May in France, for the climate around Oise, Hauts-de-France (near Compiègne), northern France.
Climate: Temperate oceanic-continental climate with frosts from November to March (down to -9 °C), warm summers that can reach 38 °C, and rain spread fairly evenly through the year, with the wettest months in February and May.
Vegetables
Lettuce Lactuca sativa
Cool spring and autumn weather suits it, and it can be sown in succession from March to September.
Harvest: 45–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Radish Raphanus sativus
Fast-growing in mild spring and autumn weather, so it gives an early harvest with little care.
Harvest: 25–40 daysEasyIn pots
Carrot Daucus carota
Deep, loose soil and moderate summer temperatures give sweet roots, and it tolerates light frosts.
Harvest: 70–100 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Potato Solanum tuberosum
Planted after the last frosts, it thrives in the cool, moist spring and yields well in the temperate summer.
Harvest: 90–120 daysEasyIn pots
Courgette Cucurbita pepo
Warm June and July days give heavy yields once it is planted out after the frosts.
Harvest: 50–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
Hot summer days ripen fruit well, especially in a sunny, sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
Harvest: 60–85 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →
Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
Warm soil from late spring suits it, and it crops quickly in the summer heat.
Harvest: 50–65 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Leek Allium ampeloprasum
Hardy in frosts, it can stay in the ground all winter and is harvested as needed.
Harvest: 100–150 daysEasy
Herbs
Parsley Petroselinum crispum
It tolerates frost and grows steadily in the mild, moist conditions of spring and autumn.
Harvest: 70–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Thyme Thymus vulgaris
It tolerates frost and thrives in the summer sun, provided the soil drains well.
Harvest: 75–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Mint Mentha spicata
It is vigorous and frost-hardy, and its moist, temperate summers suit it well, especially in a container.
Harvest: 60–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Basil Ocimum basilicum
Warm June and July days let it grow well, though it must be planted out only after the frosts.
Harvest: 60–70 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →